MPs' have today approved a motion allowing the MP for Copeland to take her Bill seeking to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses to a second reading.
Trudy today introduced a Ten Minute Rule Motion in the House of Commons, which if passed will make it illegal to use wild animals in travelling circuses.
The Government is supporting Mrs Harrison’s Bill, which will receive a second reading and general debate on Friday 16th March.
In England, those responsible for the operation of a travelling circus that has wild animals must hold a licence in accordance with the Welfare of Animals in Travelling Circuses Regulations 2012.
Speaking in the Chamber, Mrs Harrison, said: “In years gone by animal performances, when the traveling circus came to town were hugely popular providing perhaps the only opportunity to see these incredible creatures such elephants, big cats and bears in close proximity.
“Today, we know better, and can recognise that the needs of wild animals are not met by a life in the circus.
“This is a stance supported by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (RSPCA) The British Veterinary Association and many other animal health and welfare organisations I have spoken with.”
In 2011, a report by the Council of Animal Welfare concluded that, by their very nature, circuses are unable to provide wild animals with the conditions that meet their species-specific physical, psychological and behavioural needs.
Mrs Harrison, continued: “The House of Commons library report that in 2014 one circus in the UK borrowed three elephants from Germany to use in performances here.
“Without an explicit ban brought into law there is nothing to stop wild animals; elephants, lions tigers or bears returning to circuses in our local towns.
“The British public overwhelmingly support a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses - bringing the law up to date is long overdue.”
In 2011, the Daily Mail broke the story of Anne - Britain’s last circus elephant – who was beaten during her time at the Bobby Roberts Super Circus.
Following the campaign for her rescue, she was moved to Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, where readers contributed to her upkeep and now lives a life without public performance.